The Effects of Peer Group Network Properties on Drug Use Among Homeless Youth
Description:
The authors examine how the properties of peer networks affect amphetamine, cocaine, & injection drug use over 3 months among newly homeless adolescents, aged 12 to 20 in Los Angeles (n = 217; 83% retention at 3 months) & Melbourne (n = 119; 72% retention at 3 months). Several hypotheses regarding the effects of social network properties on the peer influence process are developed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses show that higher concentrations of homeless peers in networks at recruitment were associated with increased likelihood of amphetamine & cocaine use at 3-month follow-up. Higher concentrations of injecting peers were associated with increased risk of injection drug use 3 months later. Change in network structure over time toward increased concentrations of homeless peers was associated with increased risk of cocaine use & injecting. Higher density networks at baseline were positively associated with increased likelihood of cocaine & amphetamine use at 3 months. Tables, Figures, References. [Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Inc., copyright 2005.]
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2005
Volume:
48
Issue:
8
Pages:
1102-1123
Location:
Thousand Oaks